Mikhail Delyagin: “Ustinov’s resignation opens way for Medvedev”

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On June 2, 2006, Presidium Chairman of Globalization Problems Institute Mikhail Delyagin commented on information about possible resignation of Russian Minister of Economy Development and Trade German Gref, released by mass media, to a REGNUM correspondent:

“From my point of view, Ustinov’s resignation is caused by the fact that he had become power bloc’s consolidated candidature for presidential successor’s post. However, our president does not want to organize rather unhealthy competition around the fact, wishing to appoint his successor personally. Vladimir Putin does not need amateur initiative, as well as opposition to Dmitry Medvedev. That is why, consolidated candidate of the power groups resigned. He did it, of course, in accordance with his own will and without any opposition – everything was done rather technologically. This resignation opens way for Dmitry Medvedev and appointment of Dmitry Kozak, as I hope, will strongly stimulate Medvedev’s activity. Because, on the one hand, Kozak will compete with him, urging him to act more active, and, on the other hand, because Kozak will never be able to become our president’s successor. Because the successor, who will win elections in 2008, will do it for only one purpose – to resign before his inauguration to allow our current president to take part in following elections and correspondingly to win them. Medvedev suits for it, but Kozak, who probably will be unable to give the power back, does not.

As for possible Gref’s resignation, at first Mikhail Fradkov ‘ran over’ him and later on the same day he was caught in a direct lie at one of analytical sittings, and he might just psych. Gref’s inclination to hysterics is well-known; I believe he will receive time for consideration: does he really want to resign? From my point of view, after Gref will calm down a little, he will decide to stay.

In reality, Gref’s resignation is the same reserve as Mikhail Zurabov and Anatoly Chubais’ resignations – they will abruptly raise the presidential rating. What for does one need to increase the rating in advance, before elections?”